TONY Blair yesterday paid tribute to four soldiers who died in Iraq and Afghanistan - as it emerged he has expressed condolences for British deaths at two out of three Prime Minister's Questions in the past year.

At PMQs he also praised troops fighting the Taliban, adding: "It's an extraordinary story of heroism and courage. We believe we have to do it."

He urged Britain's Nato partners "to do even more" as fighting in southern Afghanistan is expected to increase.

But it has emerged that since March last year, Mr Blair has acknowledged military fatalities at the start of 21 PMQs out of 32.

A No10 spokesman said it was "absolutely right" for the PM to acknowledge troops' deaths.

Meanwhile, the Public Accounts Committee attacked defence chiefs for errors in introducing a communications system.

They said the Bowman radio packs were too heavy and do not allow communication with allies.